Homeowner Remodel Kit

$15

Secure checkout through Gumroad. Instant download link on screen and by email.

Made by a working carpentry and remodeling contractor.

Plan it first, then hire well. This kit combines our two homeowner guides: the Remodel Planning Workbook to get clear on your goals, scope, selections and budget, and the Hire a Contractor Safely Checklist to check contractors, compare bids on the same scope, review the contract and pay safely.

What is inside

Hire-a-Contractor-Safely-Checklist.pdf: 8 fillable pages
Bid-Comparison-Sheet.xlsx: compare up to four bids side by side
Remodel-Planning-Workbook.pdf: 10 pages, printable or fillable
Remodel-Budget.xlsx: budget with contingency, allowances, changes and payments tabs

Why plan before you call contractors

When three contractors bid on a vague idea, you get three prices for three different jobs and no way to compare them. Writing down your scope, your must-haves and your selections first means every bidder prices the same thing, and the comparison sheet can then show you real differences in what is included.

How to use it

Start with the workbook: goals, room-by-room scope, selections and a budget with a contingency line.
Give every contractor the same written scope.
Use the checklist to verify each contractor yourself on official websites.
Line up the bids in the comparison sheet, read the contract, and pay on a schedule tied to progress.

What is not included

No prices or cost estimates are included; you enter your own. Costs vary too much by region and project to print a number that would be honest.

Who it is for

Homeowners planning a kitchen, bathroom, addition or other remodel with a contractor, especially for the first time. It is also useful if you have had a bad experience before and want a clear process this time. It is a planning tool, not legal advice; licensing, deposit and contract rules vary by state, so check with your state agency.